OVERVIEW

What is Pelvic Pain?

Pelvic pain is pain that originates from the layer of tissue covering organs and their connecting structures in the pelvis, mainly the peritoneum: the membrane lining the cavity of the abdomen and covering the abdominal organs. Pelvic pain can also include pain that comes with dysmenorrhea (painful cramps during menstruation), menorrhagia (excessive menstrual bleeding) and dyspareunia (pain with sex), which are all common symptoms of endometriosis.

Classification

While there is no specific classification system for pelvic pain, there are certainly different levels of pelvic pain and cramping that women can experience.

While most women experience mild cramps, not all cramps are painful. However, for women with endometriosis, the symptoms of pelvic pain and cramping will often be more excessive, with pain during menstruation possibly worsening along with increased menstrual flow. When pelvic pain is experienced during the initial implantation stages of endometriosis, before deep infiltrating endometriosis or invasion, the pain is nonspecific and very commonly associated with gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, bloating, gas or diarrhea.

In later stages of deep infiltrating and invading endometriosis, chronic pelvic pain can be accompanied by such severe symptoms as constipation, painful bowel movements, and painful intercourse. In fact, sometimes chronic pelvic pain can become so intense that it is referred to as "killer cramps," which causes severe cramping and heavy bleeding.

Causes

Female pelvic pain can be caused by a multitude of reasons, but it is very common that the pain is caused by dysfunction of abdominal and pelvic organs due to ovarian endometrioma or even worse, deeply infiltrating endometriosis. Deeply infiltrating endometrioma leave scar tissue on abdominal and pelvic organs, as well as the peritoneum itself. This invading uterine tissue can ultimately play a role in both pelvic pain and organ functionality.

Endometriosis will often leave scar tissue on the membrane lining the cavity of the abdomen and covering the abdominal organs (peritoneum), which often leads to abdominal pain.

Endometriosis pain is always pelvic in location and usually, occurs in overlap with menstruation. Therefore, it can certainly be seen how endometriosis can be such a common cause of pelvic pain. The actual mechanism caused by endometriosis, however, is a much more complex process.

Retrograde menstruation is the most commonly held theory as to how pelvic pain arises from endometriosis. Every month, a normal uterus sheds its lining (endometrium), which is then expelled out of the cervix with minimal backflow of the endometrial cavity contents. However, in some cases, it is believed that the volume of menstrual debris taken back into the uterus is excessive and can lead to these endometriomas growing and scarring the uterus (adenomyosis), areas outside of the uterus (endometriosis), and much more. This is why there are so many gynecological conditions that can cause pelvic pain. Nevertheless, it is widely believed that retrograde menstruation can be the main mechanism for said disorders.

Retrograde menstruation is a probable cause for many cases of pelvic pain. A) Retrograde bleeding is when the blood from menstruation moves backward and into the fallopian tubes toward the ovaries. B) Once the blood reaches the end of the fallopian tubes, it can infiltrate the ovaries and surrounding pelvic region and organs. C) The blood accumulates in the pelvic cavity, which can cause endometriosis lesions, adhesions and ultimately pelvic pain.

Risk Factors

Having any of the following disorders, or family history of such, can increase one's chances of experiencing pelvic pain:

Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID): An infection of the female reproductive organs, such as the uterus, fallopian tubes or ovaries. It most often occurs due to complications of sexually transmitted diseases that harm the vagina, spreading internally to the uterus and other locations. It is one of the main preventable complications that can cause infertility.

The following are personal risk factors that researchers have found can increase one's chances of pelvic pain

History of physical or sexual abuse

History of radiation or surgical treatment to the abdomen and/or pelvis

History of anxiety, depression or other psychosomatic symptoms

History of miscarriages

Infertility

Long duration of menstrual flow

SYMPTOMS

Pelvic pain or cramps, especially during your period

Pain during sex (dyspareunia)

Pain during menstruation (dysmenorrhea)

Painful bowel movements (dyschezia)

Painful urination (dysuria)

Vaginal bleeding

Rectal bleeding

Lower back pain

Infertility

DIAGNOSIS

Diagnosing

History: The simplest way for a physician to gain an understanding of the severity and probable cause of your pelvic pain is by providing them with your full medical history. This includes describing the type of pain, the frequency of symptoms and any other past medical or family history.

Pelvic Exam: This thorough exam of the female pelvic organs is the simplest way for a doctor to understand the intensity and point(s) of tenderness when it comes to your pelvic pain. This will be conducted in any comprehensive physical exam if a patient is displaying any gynecological signs or symptoms.

Diagnosing the Cause

Lab tests: Your doctor will most likely order labs along with conducting a comprehensive physical exam. These labs can include blood work, urinalysis, and other tests to check for any infection such as PID, gonorrhea, chlamydia, etc., which all may be probable causes of the pelvic pain.

Ultrasound/Sonogram: An imaging test performed that provides a picture of inside the uterus. This is a useful test for pelvic pain caused by endometriosis, adenomyosis, fibroids and other intrauterine diseases that are impossible to detect via just pelvic exam and lab work.

MRI: This test provides more clear and precise imaging than an ultrasound and is extremely useful in confirming that a patient's pelvic pain is most likely due to diseases such as endometriosis, adenomyosis, etc. However, due to its high cost and the many possible causes of one's pelvic pain, this test is recommended only after you have been advised by a physician following a comprehensive physical exam and lab work up.

TREATMENT

It is crucial to determine the cause of one's pelvic pain, as it will determine how your doctor goes about treating the discomfort.

Non-surgical:

Drugs: There is a number of medications that can be prescribed to relieve pelvic pain:

Painkillers: These are often prescribed to help reduce pelvic pain, but it is important to note that they will not treat the cause of one's pelvic pain, especially in cases of chronic pelvic pain. Painkillers range from analgesics such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (aspirin or ibuprofen) to prescribed narcotics (Vicodin or Percocet).

Birth Control: When a patient's pelvic pain comes during specific known times in their menstrual cycle (when different hormone levels are rising and falling), birth control or hormonal medications may be used to attempt to control this process. This has been shown to reduce female pelvic pain in some cases.

Antibiotics: These prescribed medications are only given in cases of pelvic pain caused by an infection in order to treat the PID.

Antidepressants: Studies have shown that antidepressants can reduce pelvic pain, even for patients who do not have depression. However, this form of medication is useful for depression which is often common in cases of chronic pelvic pain.

Surgical:

When a patient wants treatment for pelvic pain caused by endometriosis, adenomyosis, fibroids, etc.(as opposed to an infection), surgery is often the most advised method. Surgeries can vary depending on a patient’s diagnosis:

Laparoscopic deep excision surgery: If done well, this surgical technique is the most extensive in removing all scar tissue in cases of pelvic pain caused by endometriosis and focal adenomyosis.

Myomectomy: This is the removal of fibroids, which in turn can relieve pelvic pain.

Hysterectomy: This procedure involves a partial or complete removal of the uterus and is only necessary in cases of pelvic pain caused by severe, diffuse adenomyosis. A hysterectomy should always be a last resort, especially in cases of pelvic pain.

OUR APPROACH

The uterus is located within the pelvic area between the abdomen and rectum. When endometrial tissue grows into the uterine wall (adenomyosis) and/or spreads outside of the uterus (endometriosis), scar tissue can latch onto a wide range of organs and anatomical structures within the pelvic area, in turn causing pelvic pain.

Due to the number of causes that can lead to pelvic pain, we believe that Dr. Seckin must always first have a detailed discussion with the patient about their current symptoms and medical history, following which a comprehensive pelvic exam will be conducted as well as an ultrasound. It will also be advised for the patient to bring recent basic lab results and any imaging results they may have, especially MRI. All of this will help us to better identify the probable cause of the pelvic pain.

When patients come to us, they are most often in need of surgical treatment, of which our preferred method is laparoscopic deep excision surgery. Using this technique, we are able to remove all endometrioma found, and we are often able to relieve patients of their chronic pelvic pain. However, pelvic pain can come from a variety of sources. Thus, it is important to find a surgeon who can not only operate with attention to detail, but one who is also patient and willing to discuss your medical history, symptoms, and complaints. By opening up to discussion, we are able to work with our patients in order to find and treat the most probable source of their pain.

Our office is located on 872 Fifth Avenue New York, NY 10065. You may call us at 646-960-3040 or have your case reviewed by clicking here.

PATIENT STORY

Lindsay G. was experiencing severe pelvic pain for years and was told her symptoms were "just her." After a history of ovarian cysts and surgical removal of one of her ovaries, Lindsay came to Dr. Seckin who performed laparoscopic deep excision surgery in the spring of 2016. Read about Lindsay's experience leading up to her surgery with Dr. Seckin.

You can read more stories of patients with pelvic pain, at varying stages, in our testimonial section.

I underwent surgery with Dr. Seckin in 2017 and have felt like a new woman ever since. If you have, or suspect you have endometriosis, Dr. Seckin and his compassionate team of surgeons and staff are a must-see.

I have struggled with endometriosis and adenomyosis since first starting my period at 13. I was diagnosed at 21 and what followed was a series of unsuccessful surgeries and treatments. My case was very aggressive and involved my urinary tract system and my intestines. After exhausting all of my local doctors I was lucky enough to find Dr. Seckin. We…

Like so many women who have tirelessly sought a correct diagnosis and proper, thorough medical treatment for endometriosis, I found myself 26 years into this unwanted journey without clear answers or help from four previous gynecological doctors and two emergency laparoscopic surgeries. I desperately wanted to avoid the ER again; a CT scan for appendicitis also revealed a likely endometrioma…

I am so grateful to Dr Seckin and Dr. Goldstein. My experience was nothing short of amazing. I was misdiagnosed with the location of my fibroids and have had a history of endometriosis. Dr. Seckin was the one who accurately diagnosed me. Dr Seckin and Dr. Goldstein really care about their patients and it shows. They listened to my concerns,…

When I think of Dr. Seckin these are the words that come to mind. Gratitude, grateful, life-changing, a heart of gold. I feel compelled to give you a bit of background so you can understand the significance of this surgery for me.
I am passionate about Endometriosis because it has affected me most of my life and I have a…

Dr. Seckin and Dr. Goldstein radically changed my quality of life. They treat their patients with dignity & respect that I've personally never seen in the literally 25+ doctors I've seen for endometriosis.
This summer, I had a surgery with Dr. Seckin & Goldstein. It was my first with them, but my 5th endo surgery. I couldn't believe the difference,…

I was in pain for 2 years. I was getting no answers, and because dr Goldstein and dr seckins were willing to see and treat me I'm finally feeling almost back to normal. They were very down to earth and helpful in my time of need. Dr Goldstein was easy to talk to and caring, she took care of me…

Dr. Seckin is one of the best endometriosis surgeon. Every time I go to the office, he really listens to me and is always concerned about my issues. Dr Seckin's office staff are a delight and they always work with me. I feel I can leave everything to them and they will take care of it. Thank you to the…

Fast forward 5 years to find out incidentally I had a failing kidney. My left kidney was only functioning at 18%. During this time, I was preparing all my documents to send to Dr. Seckin to review. However, with this new information I put everything on hold and went to a urologist. After a few months, no one could figure…

I had a wonderful experience working with Dr. Seckin and his team before, during and after my surgery. I came to Dr. Seckin having already had laparoscopic surgery for endometriosis 5 years prior, with a different surgeon. My symptoms and pain had returned, making my life truly challenging and my menstrual cycle unbearable. Dr. Seckin was quick to validate my…

I came to Dr. Seckin after years of dealing with endometriosis and doctors who didn't fully understand the disease. He quickly ascertained what needed to be done, laid out the options along with his recommendation and gave me the time to make the right decision for me. My surgery went without a hitch and I'm healing very well. He and…

Social Media

All rights are reserved. Is is not allowed to copy any information or picture without given permission. Legal Disclaimers: The information offered on the website is intended to educate users on health care and medical issues related to endometriosis. Any information presented should not be considered, or used as a substitute for, medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. You should always talk to your health care provider for specific questions regarding personal health or medical conditions.